RADO community convenes in Montreal ahead of 2015 Code introduction

The Regional Anti-Doping Organisation (RADO) community convened in Montreal this week for a four-day training session just weeks ahead of the introduction of the 2015 World Anti-Doping Code. A total of 15 RADO staff representing 123 countries attended the training at WADA’s global headquarters. The scope of the training ranged from a review of the changes to the 2015 Code to tips on how to develop more effective testing plans to how the Anti-Doping Administration & Management System (ADAMS) can assist and facilitate the daily management of anti-doping work. In addition, the 15 RADO staff were provided with a comprehensive overview of the Results Management and TUE processes and of the implementation of effective education programs.

The development of the RADO program worldwide has been the direct result of the strong partnerships formed with National Anti-Doping Organizations (NADOs) who provide regional training and expertise. During the four day-training, the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES) provided an overview of blood and urine testing collection procedures, and stressed the importance of the role of the doping control officer to protect the clean Athlete.

WADA Director General, David Howman: “This was a unique opportunity for RADO staff worldwide to congregate in Montreal and reinforce their knowledge and skills of the complex world of anti-doping. I’m pleased that so many committed RADO administrators were able to brace the sub-zero Canadian temperatures, to benefit from the high level expertise WADA was able to provide on matters relating to anti-doping and the revised World Anti-Doping Code, and to see first-hand WADA’s operations in Montreal. For WADA, it was equally important to understand the challenges that different regions face, and to support them in advancing the excellent work that is done in their respective parts of the world.”

WADA Director, Education and NADO/RADO Relations, Rob Koehler: “The meeting offered a unique opportunity to engage with fellow RADO staff and develop ways to increase the engagement of 123 countries involved in the RADO community. More work is needed by member countries as we enter this next phase of anti-doping, and the full engagement of all regions will be crucial to ensure the effective implementation of the 2015 World Anti-Doping Code.”

Central Asia RADO Manager, Ms. Venera Abdulla, who was awarded the Mahmoud al Khalifa award for outstanding commitment to the development of countries in her region, said: “This training has provided me with a wealth of knowledge that I will take home to improve our anti-doping programs across Central Asia.” The RADO program will continue to be strengthened throughout the course of 2015, with meetings planned in each of the regions aimed at encouraging the transfer of knowledge to member countries.

• This World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) press release was originally published on the WADA website on 5 December 2014. You can access the original by clicking here.